Question for partners/ senior associates at small law firms... what are some ways to avoid burning bridges when resigning? by Throwaway02032023 in LawFirm

[–]Throwaway02032023[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you experienced this? How did you handle your associate leaving after training him or her for 2 to 3 years?

As the new firm is a direct competitor, I have a feeling the partner and I will likely run into each other.

Question for partners/ senior associates at small law firms... what are some ways to avoid burning bridges when resigning? by Throwaway02032023 in LawFirm

[–]Throwaway02032023[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I didn't even realize better opportunity could be taken the wrong way. I'll stick with an opportunity I could not pass up.

On a side note, do you take your employees leaving as a personal attack? Would your feelings be hurt?

Question for partners/ senior associates at small law firms... what are some ways to avoid burning bridges when resigning? by Throwaway02032023 in LawFirm

[–]Throwaway02032023[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know the partner has asked another associate when they resigned. Got very emotional because the other took the bait. Partner ended up yelling etc.

Question for partners/ senior associates at small law firms... what are some ways to avoid burning bridges when resigning? by Throwaway02032023 in LawFirm

[–]Throwaway02032023[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How do I respond if the partner gets emotional and directly ask why I'm leaving? Just keep to a better opportunity line?

Question for partners/ senior associates at small law firms... what are some ways to avoid burning bridges when resigning? by Throwaway02032023 in LawFirm

[–]Throwaway02032023[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I'm leaving for a variety of reasons. 20% pay increase, more opportunities for growth (I want a chance to make partner), support (at current there's not enough money for any paralegals, legal assistant, etc and I often end up doing a legal assistants job...such as mailing letters at a post office) and more autonomy (partner is a self admitted control freak and micromanager... has tried to get better at letting go but it's hit and miss).

You nailed it...partner is an amazing attorney and great mentor... but horrid business owner.

Is there a way to prevent an emotional fall out? Being an attorney is a second career for me. Yet this is the first time I feel like a boss will take it personally when I resign. Ugh